TexMessage

Thursday, March 28

Good morning, TexMessagers! Do you think our border is secure?

Sen. John Cornyn

TEXclusive

President Obama spoke confidently about immigration reform this week, saying he believes he could sign a bipartisan immigration reform plan by the end of the summer. One thing (among many) that could stand in the way of an immigration deal is an agreed-upon assessment of the border. It seems that no one can qualify just how secure our border is.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano examined the border for herself this week. She said it is as “secure as it’s ever been,” rejecting demands from some in the GOP that border security must precede citizenship.

But with Border Patrol Agents being furloughed due to the sequester, Republicans say the border is still a danger, and aren’t relenting in their efforts to push for more security. In response to the reported cuts with the following statement:

“The Obama administration’s actions amount to nothing short of a calculated, willful neglect of what should be a President’s top priority: protecting the homeland and keeping Americans safe. The fact that the administration would needlessly jeopardize the safety of American citizens as part of a continued misinformation campaign surrounding the effects of sequestration is outrageous and reprehensible,” Cornyn said.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., was on the border with fellow ‘gang of eight’ immigration reform members this week. During a tour guided by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol McCain witnessed firsthand a woman scaling the border fence, and shared it on his twitter.

McCain tweeted shortly after that the woman was apprehended quickly, but that the event serves as a reminder that threats to border security are real.

Republicans might not be far off in their assessment. Yesterday, the Associated Press reported that Texas publicly safety officials say Mexican drug cartels are the greatest crime threat to Texas. DPS believes six major drug cartels are operating in the state, including Los Zetas and the Gulf Cartel.

The White House has yet to release their assessment of the situation. In response to Napolitano’s assessment, White House press secretary Jay Carney said there are a variety of metrics with which to measure progress on border security, but the administration doesn’t see the job complete yet.

? April 9 The Senate Energy and Commerce Committee has a hearing on the nomination for the Department of Energy.

? April 15 The Senate Judiciary Committee has a hearing on the targeted killing by drones

? April 16 The Senate Armed Services Committee has a hearing on Afghanistan

? April 16 Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will hold a hearing on the proposed fiscal 2014 budget request for the U.S. Coast Guard and related marine transportation programs.

Today in Texas History

On this date in 1955, Earl Campbell, pro football hall of famer and Heisman Trophy winner, was born in Tyler, Texas. More>>>